Countdown timers are a useful resource for businesses that stream online media. A timer can help Web surfers pinpoint exact times to tune into live programming. Rendering the countdown as an AVI will allow you to use the timer with multiple types of streaming software and can provide a permanent countdown solution for your company. The timer can be implemented automatically in Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effect, or you can add a countdown timer manually in other types of software.

Final Cut Pro

Download the "Too Much Too Soon" free plugins for Final Cut Pro from the Mattias.nu website (link in Resources).

Copy and paste the downloaded plugins to the "Plugins" folder. Access this on a Mac by going to "Library | Application Support | Final Cut Pro System Support," and then the "Plugins" folder.

Open a new project in Final Cut Pro.

Click on "Effects." Go to the "Too Much Too Soon" folder and select the "Clock" effect.

Set the amount of time that you want the timer to count down. Select whether you want to "Count Up" or "Count Down" and click "OK."

Play through the video to test the timer. The key frames will automatically animate through the video.

Go to "File" and "Export." Select "AVI" from the "Media Type." Select a location and a file name. Click "Render" and the countdown will render.

Adobe After Effects

Start a new project in Adobe After Effects.

Right-click on the "Timeline" window, then select "New" and "Solid." Create a black solid and select "OK."

Type "Numbers Effect" in the "Effects and Presets" window. Drag and drop the effect on the solid background.

Click on the "Effect Controls" tab. Expand the "Type" menu under "Number Effect." Select "Time" and set the starting time.

Click on the "Keyframe" icon next to the "Time" option. Scroll through to the end of the video and set the ending time. Press "Enter" to render the countdown. View it on the screen and make any needed adjustments.

Go to "Window" and select the "Render Queue." Click on the "Media Type" and select "AVI." Choose the "Output Location," then click "Start Render." A status bar will indicate when the process is complete.

Manual Countdown

Create a "New Title" and type the start of the countdown. For example, type "30:00" for 30 minutes.

Extend the title on the timeline to the exact 1-second mark.

Copy and paste the title. Drag the next title directly to the right of the first.

Change the second title to "29:59."

Repeat the two previous steps until the countdown reaches zero. Change the second and/or minute mark as you continue the countdown. Play back the video to ensure that all of the titles were typed correctly.

About the Author

Alan Donahue started writing professionally in 2003. He has been published in the Norwich Free Academy "Red & White," UNLV's "Rebel Yell" and on various websites. He is an expert on wrestling, movies and television. He placed second in the NFO Screenwriting Contest and received filmmaking awards from Manchester Community College and Norwich Free Academy. He currently attends Academy of Art University.